To humanity’s benefit, the Cold War ended with a whimper, not a bang, as the Soviet command-economy collapsed. This felicitous outcome was due in part to the Reagan administration’s military buildup and the beginning of the SDI program. The Soviet economy could not compete with technological advances that a free economy adapted to military use. The West’s superiority in military hardware was showcased during both Gulf Wars. The same conflict also illustrated the security threats of the impending Century. Iraq, a regional power, launched Scud missiles against our allies throughout the first war. As Patriot missiles dueled Scuds, we saw the first field demonstration of why strategic defense is essential. In the Gulf War, this missile duel was a sideshow. In the next regional conflict, it may prove the “main event,” whether the payloads are nuclear, chemical or biological.
The major impediment to missile defense is not technology, but America’s will to deploy. As Professor Frederic Seitz, a leading expert in missile technology, concluded, “ The science behind missile defense is solid, and we certainly do possess the capabilities to defend ourselves.” Professor Seitz observes that Missile-defense technology has been around for decades. The key to its modern success is the ability to destroy enemy missiles in their boost phase, when decoys can be more readily defeated. The difficulties of boost-phase intercept are best approached through space-based and Naval platform systems. With the demise of the ABM treaty, the last legal restraint is no more.
American missile defense allows Americans to protect potential land based allies, freeing them to divert their energies toward trade, currency reform, and capital formation. Pax Americana- the extension of democracy and -economic development throughout the Third World- depends on America’s ability to prevent aggressive regional powers from becoming international powers “on the cheap.” Strategic defense is a key component of this strategy. The sea-based Aegis missile extends a defensive shield to our allies, and expands our naval superiority over any potential enemies. A space-based anti-missile capability ensures the defense of our key command centers in space and allows protection of American people. With our technical superiority, we will be able to neutralize the nuclear capabilities of most Regional powers such as Iran and China. SDI is a manifestation of the Anglosphere’s technical superiority.
During the 20th century, the United States became the dominant superpower. SDI will allow America and the Anglosphere to continue to exert its influence throughout the world- with the result being an expansion of economic and political freedom, worldwide. The United States is a commercial state similar to 19th century Britain, and depends upon the freedom of voluntary commerce to ensure its economic well-being. NATO was established land-based alliances to ensure that no power dominates the Eurasian continent. This has ensured the general peace of Europe.
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